The research was conducted in collaboration with an emerging Arab LGBT organization (Beit El Meem) and with members of the LGBT community in Arab society in Israel.

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Background :

Studies conducted around the world on LGBT communities in Muslim countries and Arab LGBT communities in non-Muslim countries indicate unique characteristics, challenges, and needs of members of the community. These characteristics and needs often derive from the unique positioning of members of the community within the fabric of social life in traditional, often religious, communities, or from their unique positioning as a minority group (LGBT) within a minority group (Arab national), or both.

The Arab gay community in Israel is estimated to number between 96,000 and 120,000 citizens. However, very little is known about the status of the community's members, their experiences and insights, and their characteristics and needs. This project offers an applied, data-based approach to driving and supporting social change in the Arab LGBT community in Israel. The research combines qualitative and quantitative research tools, while drawing on the work model of 'action research' and community participation methodologies.

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Research objectives :

1. Improving existing knowledge about factors that hinder/contribute to promoting social change on LGBT issues in Arab society in Israel;

2. Collecting data about the characteristics, needs, challenges, risk factors, and sources of resilience of members of the Arab LGBT community in Israel, from the perspective of community members;

3. Making this knowledge and data accessible to community members, activists and organizations, and other stakeholders.

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Methodology :

Community action research, which combines in-depth interviews, focus groups, a national survey questionnaire, and monitoring and evaluation research.

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Main findings :

The study shows that most members of the community are exposed to LGBTphobia with high frequency, in all spaces: at home, in family interactions, at school with other students and the teaching staff, in the neighborhood, on social networks, and in the general public space. In other words, LGBT Arabs are forced to deal as a matter of routine with manifestations of hostility, aggression, and sometimes even violence, whether they are directed at them directly, or if they are exposed to them in their immediate environment.